Tidal passage from Goole to Barmby on the Yorkshire River Ouse

[Ian on Leo]

For those interested in taking a narrowboat on the Ouse this posting on our blog may be of interest.  We have previously been on the tidal Ouse between Naburn and Selby and Barmby but this is the first time we have ventured out onto the river from Goole.  I've added our thoughts on doing this passage again - next time we would definitely wait a few days for  a neap rather than a spring tide.  Here is a link to the posting:

https://ianhelencanals.blogspot.com/2019/07/scary-tidal-ouse-from-goole-to-barmby.html

[pearley]

An interesting read. We came down from Selby in a hire boat early 90s and up to Stamford Bridge. Didn't give any thoughts to spring tides then and on our return we had to go back onto the Ouse before the tide had peaked do as to get under that bridge which, of course, made us early for Selby. Belted a moored coaster on our first attempt to get in.

[howardang]

11 hours ago, Ian on Leo said:

For those interested in taking a narrowboat on the Ouse this posting on our blog may be of interest.  We have previously been on the tidal Ouse between Naburn and Selby and Barmby but this is the first time we have ventured out onto the river from Goole.  I've added our thoughts on doing this passage again - next time we would definitely wait a few days for  a neap rather than a spring tide.  Here is a link to the posting:

https://ianhelencanals.blogspot.com/2019/07/scary-tidal-ouse-from-goole-to-barmby.html

It is certainly good advice to wait for a few days  after Springs. It is worth remembering that at Springs the current flow can get close to the top speed that a narrow boat can manage, and you may not be able to manoeuvre properly, or at all, if you get into difficulty. It would also get you more headroom under the bridge at Barmby Barrage. I have seen a boat with some cosmetic damage caused by the bridge when going through at HW Springs. Fortunately you just cleared but as you get near it can cause some twitchy moments!

 

Howard

[NB Esk]

Really good account, thanks for posting.

 

 

[Dave tj]

On 07/07/2019 at 22:35, Ian on Leo said:

For those interested in taking a narrowboat on the Ouse this posting on our blog may be of interest.  We have previously been on the tidal Ouse between Naburn and Selby and Barmby but this is the first time we have ventured out onto the river from Goole.  I've added our thoughts on doing this passage again - next time we would definitely wait a few days for  a neap rather than a spring tide.  Here is a link to the posting:

https://ianhelencanals.blogspot.com/2019/07/scary-tidal-ouse-from-goole-to-barmby.html

What route to Barmby barage is safest ? From Naburn or from Goole ?

[Wanderer Vagabond]

On 29/10/2025 at 21:50, Dave tj said:

What route to Barmby barage is safest ? From Naburn or from Goole ?

Naburn (or Selby) without a doubt! You'd be travelling on the ebb tide rather than the flood, meaning both the river and the tide are flowing in the same direction which tend to make things a bit smoother; also there should be no problem getting under the bridge at Barmby Lock.

Edited November 2 by Wanderer Vagabond

[Dave tj]

Thanks. Think have opted from Goole with a pilot.